Written answers
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Schemes
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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618. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) who had their fuel allowance refused due to being over the threshold by only €1.89 will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39708/23]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.
Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means exceed the permissible weekly means of €1000.00 for the household. Where applicants exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise, there is no scope for discretion. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 8 August 2023.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Additional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
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